Who Won the All-Star Race: Answer Overview
The All-Star Race is an annual, non-points NASCAR exhibition where past champions and top performers from the previous season compete. Below are the most recent winners and years. For the most current season, verify the latest race results, as this race may be subject to scheduling changes. The table lists the event winner, team, track, and season context.
| Season / Year | Race / Event | Winner | Team | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | All-Star Race | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports | Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, TX) |
| 2023 | All-Star Race | Chase Elliott | Hendrick Motorsports | North Wilkesboro Speedway |
| 2022 | All-Star Race | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
| 2021 | All-Star Race | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
| 2020 | All-Star Race | Denny Hamlin | Joe Gibbs Racing | Darlington Raceway (Virtual format due to COVID-19) |
| 2019 | All-Star Race | Martin Truex Jr. | Joe Gibbs Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
| 2018 | All-Star Race | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
| 2017 | All-Star Race | Martin Truex Jr. | Furniture Row Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
| 2016 | All-Star Race | Kyle Busch | Joe Gibbs Racing | Charlotte Motor Speedway |
| 2015 | All-Star Race | Kevin Harvick | Stewart-Haas Racing | Charlotte Motor Speedway |
| 2014 | All-Star Race | Clint Bowyer | Stewart-Haas Racing | Texas Motor Speedway |
What Is the All-Star Race in NASCAR
The NASCAR All-Star Race is an invitation-only exhibition held once per year. It is not a points race, but it carries prestige because it is restricted to drivers who meet specific criteria, such as being a former race winner from the past decade, a current season champion, or a fan vote winner. The event tests format experiments—heat races, a pit crew challenge, and segments under different rules—before the main 100-lap feature. Winning the All-Star Race is recognized as an honor, showcasing driver and team excellence outside the regular championship chase.
Who Is Eligible to Compete
Eligibility for the All-Star Race is curated and typically includes a combination of past champions, race winners from the prior season, stage winners, fan vote recipients, and sometimes legends or special invitations. Because the field size is limited, organizers prioritize recent performance and fan interest. Criteria may evolve by season, so always check the official NASCAR announcement for the current year’s exact field and format.
Historical Winners and Trends
Since its modern revival as a stand-alone showcase, certain drivers and teams have appeared frequently. Joe Gibbs Racing has won multiple times across different drivers; Hendrick Motorsports has also been prominent, as have legacy teams like Richard Childress Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. Track selection rotates among major ovals, with Texas, North Wilkesboro, Charlotte, and Darlington frequently hosting. The below summary distills notable patterns without overinterpreting small-sample noise.
Notable Multi-Time Winners
- Kyle Busch — 4 wins (2015, 2016, 2018, 2021)
- Denny Hamlin — 3 wins (2011, 2013, 2020, 2022)
- Martin Truex Jr. — 2 wins (2017, 2019)
- Chase Elliott — 1 win (2023)
- Kyle Larson — 1 win (2024)
Format and Event Structure
The All-Star weekend usually includes the Pit Crew Challenge, qualifying heat races, and segments such as the Open and the main feature. Rules may vary by year—leads, lap limitations, and caution procedures are sometimes modified for entertainment and safety. While no championship points are at stake, teams still prepare seriously, treating the weekend as a high-profile test of pace and execution.
How to Confirm the Latest Winner
Because the race can shift schedules and formats, the authoritative source for any given year is the official NASCAR results page for the All-Star Race. Team press releases and major motorsport outlets also publish recaps and photos. For historical comparisons, use the NASCAR.com statistics portal or official record books.
Key Takeaways
- The All-Star Race is an invitational exhibition, not a points race.
- Recent winners include Larson (2024), Elliott (2023), Hamlin (2022), and Busch (2021).
- Eligibility depends on past performance, fan vote, and organizer criteria.
- Winning is an accolade that highlights driver and team reputation.